Tolono, IL, Illinois - Rodney "Rod" Spencer Kroemer passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 22, 2024. Rod was born September 24, 1951, in Milo, Maine, to Harold and Nora Kroemer. He was the fourth of five children, raised on a potato farm, and who helped work the family's roadside vegetable stand in the summer months. His maternal grandmother, Lou, was an integral part of the vegetable stand, as was Nan, Rod's older sister, with whom he remained close. Those childhood memories are ones that Rod shared often with friends.

Rod leaves behind the love of his life and husband, Jim Wuersch, with whom he spent the last 44 years. Rod was predeceased by his parents; his stepfather, Gilbert Rogers; his younger brother, Eddie; older sister, Alice (Jerry) Fairchild; and older brother, Hal (Cheryl). Older sister, Nan Hansen, survives in Maine, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Rod graduated from Penquis Valley High School as class president in 1969. He received his bachelor's degree from University of Maine at Orono and in 1976 made his way to Champaign-Urbana to earn two master's degrees from the University of Illinois - first in oral interpretation and later in labor and industrial relations.

After his first master's degree, Rod moved to Minnesota to teach at St. Cloud State for one year before returning to Champaign-Urbana to pursue his second master's degree.

Rod discovered early that his gift of gab and connection with people worked well for him, first in his high-end food service positions, then with a public information appointment at McKinley Health Center and later with Carle Hospital. From there, Rod moved to Human Kinetics, where he served as an editor and marketing professional.

Rod's life was filled with friends, flowers and a flurry of activities. He explored a number of interests, including figure skating competition, where he was a medalist at the 2006 International Gay Games in Chicago. He loved ice dancing, poetry, and theater. He taught aerobics, figure skating and was a substitute teacher at a number of Champaign County schools. Rod had a wicked sense of humor and an ornery streak that served him well when he shared elaborate stories.

2005 marked the beginning of 5-Acre Farm Daylilies - when Rod and partner, Jim, created their first seedling class. Rod was an integral part of the business and the face of the commercial operation. He bred several daylily hybrids and was also called upon to speak at international daylily conferences.

Rod also joined husband, Jim, in breeding Havana Brown pedigreed cats, sometimes serving as midwife and co-exhibitor, winning a number of national and regional honors.

Friends will gather for a celebration of his life on September 21, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Whiteside Gardens, just east of Charleston, IL, on Route 16. Donations may be made in Rod's name at Whiteside Gardens via website at dhnature.org/donate.html or by mail at 2204 Dewitt Ave. East, Mattoon, IL 61938. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.